Your Guide to Hiring Concrete Contractors
Finding a trustworthy professional to handle your job will minimize potential complications and lead to better outcomes
Key Takeaways:
- Locating a reputable contractor for your concrete flooring job is essential
- Trustworthy contractors typically have a business address
- Customer recommendations and proof of past work should be available
- Avoid anyone without a license or insurance
Hiring a contractor to work on your concrete floors is a significant decision for your business. You want this surface to stand the test of time, and any shoddy work could make their floors – and your company – look bad.
Contractors, as a whole, don’t always have the best reputation. Even though they’re few and far between, stories of botched and incomplete jobs often make their way into the news, and surprise fees and expenses from some contractors can quickly put your project well over budget.
Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to ensure your contractor is a reputable one. This guide will offer tips on hiring concrete contractors for your next flooring project.
Research beforehand
The first step in this process is developing a plan for your concrete surfaces. You’ll want to look for designs, patterns, polished concrete options, coatings, and all of the other options to customize your perfect flooring. This will give you a clear idea of what you want your contractor to do.
That doesn’t mean you have to make a final decision before you speak with a contractor, but you should have a general concept in mind.
Next, you can start researching contractors in your local area. Use the search term “concrete contractors near me” and look online for reviews from past customers. This method can help narrow your list to only include the most reputable local contractors.
From there, you can start contacting flooring contractors about their availability. Note the response times, as contractors who take days to reply could be challenging to reach when you need them.
Ask some questions
As you begin your conversations with local concrete contractors, you should ask questions. These queries will help you get to know the contractor a bit better while clarifying the project’s scope. Questions to ask include:
- How long will it take? While your contractor probably can’t provide a definite timeline, a ballpark for starting the job and a general estimate of how long it will take should be available. This estimate can help determine if a particular contractor can meet your needs.
- How much experience do you have? You can probably save some money by hiring a new contractor, but there’s less of a track record to consult. There’s no substitute for experience when it comes to concrete floors.
- Who will manage the project? Figuring out who will be in charge of the project is vital. You’ll want to know if the person you’re speaking with will be on-site during the job. Outcomes can change based on who is doing the work.
- Do you guarantee your work? The last thing you want is a concrete floor that doesn’t meet your needs while paying full price for it. Inquire about any warranties or guarantees a contractor has before you agree to a contract.
- Are your past customers satisfied? Past customers are a solid indicator of a contractor’s skill level. See if past customers are happy with the work and ask for references if possible.
- Are you licensed and insured? Licensing ensures local regulators hold the contractor accountable, while insurance can cover costs if your property incurs damage. Make sure your contractor has both before beginning any job.
- Do you have a physical business address? Companies with a physical address have usually been in business longer and are easier to hold accountable. Any business that refuses to provide an address could disappear with your money without finishing the work.
- How do I contact you? A reputable contractor should provide multiple contact methods, including an email address and phone number. You might also want the project manager’s direct number to streamline communication.
Ask anything that comes to mind to ensure you and the contractor are on the same page. You can then set up an in-person meeting so the contractor can take some measurements and provide a quote.
Get quotes and contracts in writing
Talking to your contractor is only part of the process. It’s important to get everything you agree to in writing, including all your quotes as well as information on potential cost overruns and how the contractor plans to handle them.
Your contract should also be in writing. Not only does getting this detailed information on paper give you something to refer to when it comes time to pay, but it offers protection if something goes wrong during your concrete project.
Ask for proof
Inquiring about past jobs, satisfied customers, and references is only part of the process, as you should also about for proof. See if you can speak with past customers about their experiences with the contractor, as reputable professionals should have some references available.
You might also ask to see photos of some jobs the contractor has completed in the past. These images prove the contractor has experience completing similar projects, providing peace of mind when hiring concrete contractors for your project.
Check insurance and licenses
You’ll want proof that your contractor has the necessary insurance and licensing. Keep in mind that a license isn’t mandatory in some parts of the country, but you never want someone working on your business without the necessary insurance in case something goes wrong.
Double-checking the validity of these documents is a simple step that could save you trouble in the future by preventing you from hiring a dishonest contractor
Your concrete flooring job
Hiring a respectable contractor is essential when you’re looking to grind, polish, seal, or guard your concrete floors. Failing to do your research before choosing someone to handle the job could leave you with all sorts of issues in the future, so you’ll want to put the work in before you start.
Concreate does everything but pour the slab, ensuring we can handle any concrete job you throw at us. We have all the background information you’re seeking on our website and will provide more insight when you ask. Contact us or visit thisisconcrete.com for more details about our concrete contractor services.